EP3610542B1 - System for connecting submarine cables - Google Patents

System for connecting submarine cables Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3610542B1
EP3610542B1 EP18715725.0A EP18715725A EP3610542B1 EP 3610542 B1 EP3610542 B1 EP 3610542B1 EP 18715725 A EP18715725 A EP 18715725A EP 3610542 B1 EP3610542 B1 EP 3610542B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cables
housing
connection
caps
legs
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EP18715725.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3610542A1 (en
Inventor
Mathieu PRISER
Jean-Yves PEROU
Patrick GAMBARETTI
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Naval Group SA
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Naval Group SA
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G15/00—Cable fittings
    • H02G15/08—Cable junctions
    • H02G15/10—Cable junctions protected by boxes, e.g. by distribution, connection or junction boxes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G9/00—Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water
    • H02G9/02—Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water laid directly in or on the ground, river-bed or sea-bottom; Coverings therefor, e.g. tile
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4401—Optical cables
    • G02B6/4415—Cables for special applications
    • G02B6/4427—Pressure resistant cables, e.g. undersea cables
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
    • G02B6/4441—Boxes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G15/00—Cable fittings
    • H02G15/013—Sealing means for cable inlets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G15/00—Cable fittings
    • H02G15/08—Cable junctions
    • H02G15/10—Cable junctions protected by boxes, e.g. by distribution, connection or junction boxes
    • H02G15/12—Cable junctions protected by boxes, e.g. by distribution, connection or junction boxes for incorporating transformers, loading coils or amplifiers
    • H02G15/14—Cable junctions protected by boxes, e.g. by distribution, connection or junction boxes for incorporating transformers, loading coils or amplifiers specially adapted for submarine cables

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for connecting cables, for example hybrid submarines.
  • hybrid cable should be understood as designating, for example, cables carrying power and/or information, etc., that is to say electrical, optical, etc. .
  • such a system can be used to connect hybrid submarine cables such as umbilicals for marine renewable energy farms.
  • connection system described in this document is a so-called “in-line” connection system, that is to say that the cables are in the extension of one another, at the level of their connection.
  • WO 2016/022272 A1 describes an undersea data collection and communication system installed at an undersea interconnection point or undersea connector between electric, optical or hybrid electro-optical undersea cables.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to solve these problems.
  • the subject of the invention is a system for connecting submarine cables and in particular umbilical cables for marine renewable energy farms, according to claim 1.
  • system according to the invention may comprise one or more of the characteristics of claims 2 to 8.
  • connection system is designated by the general reference 1 in these various figures and makes it possible to connect submarine cables such as, for example, umbilical cables 2 and 3.
  • connection system in which the cables are connected and fixed directly to one another, for example in line, in the connection system according to the invention, a piece is used intermediate connection of these cables.
  • This intermediate connecting piece is designated by the general reference 4 in these figures.
  • this intermediate piece 4 for connecting these cables 2 and 3 is therefore adapted to be placed between the ends to be connected of the cables 2 and 3 and comprises means of electrical connection of these cables and means of mechanical connection of those -this.
  • connection means of these cables comprise for example not only electrical connection means, but they can also comprise optical connection means, for example of optical fibers of the umbilical cables, if these cables are so-called cables “hybrid”, that is to say comprising both electrical cables and optical fibers.
  • the electrical connection means of the cables are in the form of a cable portion, generally U-shaped, which is designated by the general reference 5 in these figures.
  • These connectors can then be electrical or optical connectors, etc. depending on the nature of the cables to be connected.
  • Sealed covers for example 10 and 11, can be used to protect these connectors and in particular the connectors 8 and 9 of the ends of the umbilical cables 2 and 3, before they are connected to protect them, for example, during their various manipulations.
  • connection system according to the invention and the intermediate piece 4 also comprise a sealed casing designated by the general reference 14 in these figures.
  • this box 14 has the general shape of an inverted U, the ends of the legs of which have two holes for passing the cables to be connected.
  • the sealed casing 14 is free to move relative to the cable connection means, that is to say to the cable portion 5 in the example, to allow these elements that is to say the housing and the cable portion, to move relative to each other as will be described in more detail later.
  • the U-shaped cable portion 5 of the connection means extends through the orifices of these legs and the bridge-shaped portion of the housing 14.
  • connection system before assembly and connection of the cables to each other is then, for example, that illustrated in the figure 1 .
  • the intermediate piece is then placed between the ends of the cables to associate them.
  • the cables are connected using the complementary electrical and/or optical connectors of the ends of the umbilical cables 2 and 3 and of the U-shaped cable portion 5 of the intermediate connection part.
  • the sealed box 14 is free to move relative to the U-shaped cable portion 5 and can therefore be disengaged from the connection zone of the complementary connectors to give better access to these connectors and simplify this connection.
  • the waterproof casing 14 is moved around the U-shaped cable portion until the ends of the legs 17 and 18 come to rest against the caps 12 and 13 of the ends of the umbilical cables 2 and 3.
  • the box 14 therefore serves to fix the cables to each other, using the caps 12 and 13 which are fixed to the ends of the cables 2 and 3.
  • the umbilical cables 2 and 3 arrive in the sealed casing 14 along substantially parallel axes.
  • connection connectors of these cables and of the U-shaped cable portion may comprise complementary optical connectors making it possible to connect the optical fibers of these umbilical cables.
  • the waterproof casing 14 can be connected in movement to the U-shaped cable portion 5, in order to move with the latter.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
  • Cable Accessories (AREA)
  • Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Processing Of Terminals (AREA)
  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un système de raccordement de câbles par exemple hybrides sous-marins.The present invention relates to a system for connecting cables, for example hybrid submarines.

Dans la présente description, le terme câble « hybride » doit être compris comme désignant par exemple des câbles véhiculant de la puissance et/ou de l'information, etc..., c'est-à-dire électriques, optiques....In the present description, the term “hybrid” cable should be understood as designating, for example, cables carrying power and/or information, etc., that is to say electrical, optical, etc. .

Plus particulièrement, un tel système peut être utilisé pour raccorder des câbles hybrides sous-marins tels que des câbles ombilicaux pour des fermes d'énergie marine renouvelable.More particularly, such a system can be used to connect hybrid submarine cables such as umbilicals for marine renewable energy farms.

Il existe déjà, dans l'état de la technique, de tels systèmes de raccordement de câbles hybrides sous-marins, qui comportent des systèmes de réception des extrémités de ces câbles et qui sont destinées à être fixées l'une à/sur l'autre, pour permettre le raccordement des câbles.There already exist, in the state of the art, such systems for connecting submarine hybrid cables, which comprise systems for receiving the ends of these cables and which are intended to be fixed one to/on the another, to allow the connection of the cables.

Un exemple de réalisation d'un tel système est décrit dans le document GB 2 481 852 .An exemplary embodiment of such a system is described in the document UK 2,481,852 .

Le système de raccordement décrit dans ce document est un système de raccordement dit « en ligne », c'est-à-dire que les câbles sont dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre, au niveau de leur raccordement.The connection system described in this document is a so-called “in-line” connection system, that is to say that the cables are in the extension of one another, at the level of their connection.

On conçoit cependant qu'un tel système présente un certain nombre d'inconvénients.It is however conceivable that such a system has a certain number of drawbacks.

En effet, un tel système de raccordement en ligne des câbles est extrêmement encombrant, ce qui se traduit par des problèmes de manutention, de montage et de traînée hydrodynamique induite par les puissants courants des milieux hydroliens par exemple.Indeed, such a system for connecting the cables in line is extremely bulky, which results in problems of handling, assembly and hydrodynamic drag induced by the powerful currents of tidal environments for example.

Par ailleurs, un tel système se traduit également par des efforts de flexion importants dans les câbles, les structures et les accessoires correspondants pendant la manutention de ceux-ci.Furthermore, such a system also results in significant bending forces in the cables, structures and corresponding accessories during handling thereof.

Des moyens de reprise d'efforts de type par exemple en demi-lune, dits « quadrant », permettant par exemple de résoudre un certain nombre de ces problèmes, ont d'ailleurs été proposés de façon complémentaire.Means for taking up forces of the half-moon, for example, so-called “quadrant” type, making it possible, for example, to solve a certain number of these problems, have moreover been proposed in a complementary manner.

WO 2016/022272 A1 décrit un système de collecte et de communication de données sous-marines installé à un point d'interconnexion sous-marin ou à un connecteur sous-marin entre des câbles sous-marins électriques, optiques ou électro-optiques hybrides. WO 2016/022272 A1 describes an undersea data collection and communication system installed at an undersea interconnection point or undersea connector between electric, optical or hybrid electro-optical undersea cables.

Mais tous ces systèmes ne donnent pas pleinement satisfaction et nécessitent beaucoup d'espace sur le pont du navire d'installation.But all these systems are not fully satisfactory and require a lot of space on the deck of the installation vessel.

Le but de l'invention est donc de résoudre ces problèmes.The object of the invention is therefore to solve these problems.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un système de raccordement de câbles sous-marins et notamment de câbles ombilicaux pour des fermes d'énergie marine renouvelable, selon la revendication 1.To this end, the subject of the invention is a system for connecting submarine cables and in particular umbilical cables for marine renewable energy farms, according to claim 1.

Selon des modes de réalisation particuliers, le système selon l'invention peut comprendre l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques des revendications 2 à 8.According to particular embodiments, the system according to the invention may comprise one or more of the characteristics of claims 2 to 8.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • les figures 1 à 5 illustrent une séquence de vues montrant la structure de face d'un exemple de réalisation d'un système de raccordement selon l'invention et le raccordement de câbles grâce à un tel système de raccordement.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • them figures 1 to 5 illustrate a sequence of views showing the front structure of an embodiment of a connection system according to the invention and the connection of cables using such a connection system.

On a en effet illustré sur ces figures, un système de raccordement de câbles sous-marins et notamment de câbles ombilicaux pour des fermes d'énergie marine renouvelable.In fact, these figures illustrate a system for connecting submarine cables and in particular umbilical cables for marine renewable energy farms.

Le système de raccordement est désigné par la référence générale 1 sur ces différentes figures et permet de raccorder des câbles sous-marins tels que par exemple des câbles ombilicaux 2 et 3.The connection system is designated by the general reference 1 in these various figures and makes it possible to connect submarine cables such as, for example, umbilical cables 2 and 3.

En fait, et contrairement aux systèmes de l'état de la technique, dans lesquels les câbles sont raccordés et fixés directement l'un sur l'autre par exemple en ligne, dans le système de raccordement selon l'invention, on utilise une pièce intermédiaire de raccordement de ces câbles.In fact, and contrary to the systems of the state of the art, in which the cables are connected and fixed directly to one another, for example in line, in the connection system according to the invention, a piece is used intermediate connection of these cables.

Cette pièce intermédiaire de raccordement est désignée par la référence générale 4 sur ces figures.This intermediate connecting piece is designated by the general reference 4 in these figures.

En fait, cette pièce intermédiaire 4 de raccordement de ces câbles 2 et 3, est donc adaptée pour être placée entre des extrémités à raccorder des câbles 2 et 3 et comporte des moyens de raccordement électrique de ces câbles et des moyens de liaison mécanique de ceux-ci.In fact, this intermediate piece 4 for connecting these cables 2 and 3, is therefore adapted to be placed between the ends to be connected of the cables 2 and 3 and comprises means of electrical connection of these cables and means of mechanical connection of those -this.

Les extrémités des câbles ne sont donc pas fixées directement l'une sur l'autre comme dans l'état de la technique.The ends of the cables are therefore not fixed directly to one another as in the state of the art.

Comme cela sera décrit plus en détail par la suite, les moyens de raccordement de ces câbles comportent par exemple non seulement des moyens de raccordement électriques, mais ils peuvent également comporter des moyens de raccordement optique par exemple de fibres optiques des câbles ombilicaux, si ces câbles sont des câbles dits « hybrides », c'est-à-dire comportant à la fois des câbles électriques et des fibres optiques.As will be described in more detail below, the connection means of these cables comprise for example not only electrical connection means, but they can also comprise optical connection means, for example of optical fibers of the umbilical cables, if these cables are so-called cables "hybrid", that is to say comprising both electrical cables and optical fibers.

En fait, les moyens de raccordement électrique des câbles se présentent sous la forme d'une portion de câble, de forme générale en U, qui est désignée par la référence générale 5 sur ces figures.In fact, the electrical connection means of the cables are in the form of a cable portion, generally U-shaped, which is designated by the general reference 5 in these figures.

Les extrémités de cette portion de câble en U 5, et des câbles ombilicaux 2 et 3 comportent alors des connecteurs complémentaires désignés par les références générales 6 et 7, et 8 et 9.The ends of this U-shaped cable portion 5, and of the umbilical cables 2 and 3 then comprise complementary connectors designated by the general references 6 and 7, and 8 and 9.

Ces connecteurs peuvent alors être des connecteurs électriques, optiques... selon la nature des câbles à raccorder.These connectors can then be electrical or optical connectors, etc. depending on the nature of the cables to be connected.

Des capots étanches par exemple 10 et 11, peuvent être utilisés pour protéger ces connecteurs et en particulier les connecteurs 8 et 9 des extrémités des câbles ombilicaux 2 et 3, avant leur raccordement pour protéger ceux-ci par exemple lors de leurs différentes manipulations.Sealed covers, for example 10 and 11, can be used to protect these connectors and in particular the connectors 8 and 9 of the ends of the umbilical cables 2 and 3, before they are connected to protect them, for example, during their various manipulations.

Ces capots étanches peuvent alors être fixés de façon amovible, par exemple sur des capuchons d'extrémité des câbles 12 et 13 fixés autour des câbles à proximité des extrémités de ceux-ci destinées à être raccordées.These sealed covers can then be fixed in a removable manner, for example on the end caps of the cables 12 and 13 fixed around the cables close to the ends of the latter intended to be connected.

Ces capuchons d'extrémité sont fixés de façon étanche sur les câbles.These end caps are sealed to the cables.

Le système de raccordement selon l'invention et la pièce intermédiaire 4 comportent également un boîtier étanche désigné par la référence générale 14 sur ces figures.The connection system according to the invention and the intermediate piece 4 also comprise a sealed casing designated by the general reference 14 in these figures.

Sur ces figures ce boîtier 14 présente la forme générale d'un U renversé dont les extrémités de jambes comportent deux orifices de passage des câbles à raccorder.In these figures, this box 14 has the general shape of an inverted U, the ends of the legs of which have two holes for passing the cables to be connected.

Ces deux orifices de ce boîtier sont désignés par les références 15 et 16 sur ces figures.These two orifices of this housing are designated by the references 15 and 16 in these figures.

Ces orifices 15 et 16, ou du moins les jambes du boîtier autour de ces orifices, sont munis de moyens de fixation sur les capuchons 12 et 13 d'extrémité des câbles, comme cela sera décrit plus en détail par la suite.These orifices 15 and 16, or at least the legs of the casing around these orifices, are provided with means of attachment to the end caps 12 and 13 of the cables, as will be described in more detail below.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit en regard de ces figures, le boîtier étanche 14 est libre en déplacement par rapport aux moyens de raccordement des câbles, c'est-à-dire à la portion de câble 5 dans l'exemple, pour permettre à ces éléments c'est-à-dire au boîtier et à la portion de câble, de se déplacer l'un par rapport à l'autre comme cela sera décrit plus en détail par la suite.In the exemplary embodiment described with reference to these figures, the sealed casing 14 is free to move relative to the cable connection means, that is to say to the cable portion 5 in the example, to allow these elements that is to say the housing and the cable portion, to move relative to each other as will be described in more detail later.

En fait, le boîtier se présente sous la forme illustrée avec deux jambes latérales désignées par les références 17 et 18 sur ces figures, fermées à leurs extrémités opposées à celles munies des orifices 15 et 16, et ces jambes sont reliées par une portion formant pont 19 entre celles-ci.In fact, the case is in the form illustrated with two lateral legs designated by the references 17 and 18 in these figures, closed at their ends opposite to those provided with the orifices 15 and 16, and these legs are connected by a portion forming a bridge 19 between them.

On conçoit alors que dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré, la portion de câble en U 5 des moyens de raccordement, s'étend à travers les orifices de ces jambes et la portion en forme de pont du boîtier 14.It is then conceivable that in the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped cable portion 5 of the connection means, extends through the orifices of these legs and the bridge-shaped portion of the housing 14.

L'état initial du système de raccordement avant montage et raccordement des câbles l'un à l'autre, est alors par exemple celui illustré sur la figure 1.The initial state of the connection system before assembly and connection of the cables to each other is then, for example, that illustrated in the figure 1 .

Il convient d'abord de retirer les capots 10 et 11 de protection des extrémités des câbles 2 et 3, comme cela est illustré sur la figure 1.It is first necessary to remove the protective covers 10 and 11 from the ends of the cables 2 and 3, as shown in the figure 1 .

Une fois ces capots retirés, on retire également comme cela est illustré sur la figure 2, les capots de protection par exemple 20 et 21 des connecteurs d'extrémité par exemple de ces câbles ombilicaux.Once these covers are removed, we also remove as shown in the picture 2 , the protective covers for example 20 and 21 of the end connectors for example of these umbilical cables.

Une fois ces différents capots de protection retirés, il est alors possible de placer les câbles ombilicaux 2 et 3 et la pièce intermédiaire de raccordement 4 en position de raccordement en face les uns de l'autre.Once these various protective covers have been removed, it is then possible to place the umbilical cables 2 and 3 and the intermediate connection piece 4 in the connection position facing each other.

La pièce intermédiaire est alors disposée entre les extrémités des câbles pour les associer.The intermediate piece is then placed between the ends of the cables to associate them.

Puis, comme cela est illustré sur les figures 3 et 4, les câbles sont raccordés en utilisant les connecteurs complémentaires électriques et/ou optiques des extrémités des câbles ombilicaux 2 et 3 et de la portion de câble en U 5 de la pièce intermédiaire de raccordement.Then, as shown in the figure 3 and 4 , the cables are connected using the complementary electrical and/or optical connectors of the ends of the umbilical cables 2 and 3 and of the U-shaped cable portion 5 of the intermediate connection part.

Ceci est facilité dans l'exemple illustré, par le fait que le boîtier étanche 14 est libre en déplacement par rapport à la portion de câble en U 5 et peut donc être dégagé de la zone de raccordement des connecteurs complémentaires pour donner un meilleur accès à ces connecteurs et simplifier ce raccordement.This is facilitated in the example illustrated, by the fact that the sealed box 14 is free to move relative to the U-shaped cable portion 5 and can therefore be disengaged from the connection zone of the complementary connectors to give better access to these connectors and simplify this connection.

Une fois cette opération de raccordement électrique/optique des câbles ombilicaux 2 et 3 réalisée, il est alors possible de relier mécaniquement les câbles l'un à l'autre.Once this operation of electrical/optical connection of the umbilical cables 2 and 3 has been carried out, it is then possible to mechanically connect the cables to one another.

Pour ce faire, le boîtier étanche 14 est déplacé autour de la portion de câble en U jusqu'au moment où les extrémités des jambes 17 et 18, viennent en appui contre les capuchons 12 et 13 des extrémités des câbles ombilicaux 2 et 3.To do this, the waterproof casing 14 is moved around the U-shaped cable portion until the ends of the legs 17 and 18 come to rest against the caps 12 and 13 of the ends of the umbilical cables 2 and 3.

La fixation étanche de la pièce intermédiaire et en particulier du boîtier 14 sur les capuchons 12 et 13, peut alors se faire de différentes façons.The tight fixing of the intermediate part and in particular of the casing 14 on the caps 12 and 13, can then be done in different ways.

Par exemple on peut utiliser des moyens en forme de colliers de serrage et de fixation.For example, it is possible to use means in the form of clamps and fasteners.

Bien entendu d'autres modes de réalisation peuvent être envisagés comme par exemple des brides boulonnées, etc.Of course, other embodiments can be envisaged, such as for example bolted flanges, etc.

En fait, le boîtier 14 sert donc à fixer les câbles l'un sur l'autre, à l'aide des capuchons 12 et 13 qui sont fixés sur les extrémités des câbles 2 et 3.In fact, the box 14 therefore serves to fix the cables to each other, using the caps 12 and 13 which are fixed to the ends of the cables 2 and 3.

Dans l'exemple qui vient d'être décrit, les câbles ombilicaux 2 et 3 arrivent dans le boîtier étanche 14 selon des axes sensiblement parallèles.In the example which has just been described, the umbilical cables 2 and 3 arrive in the sealed casing 14 along substantially parallel axes.

Bien entendu d'autres dispositions peuvent être envisagées.Of course, other arrangements can be envisaged.

De même, et comme cela a été également indiqué précédemment, les connecteurs de raccordement de ces câbles et de la portion de câble en U peuvent comporter des connecteurs optiques complémentaires permettant de relier des fibres optiques de ces câbles ombilicaux.Similarly, and as has also been indicated above, the connection connectors of these cables and of the U-shaped cable portion may comprise complementary optical connectors making it possible to connect the optical fibers of these umbilical cables.

On conçoit alors qu'une telle structure présente un certain nombre d'avantages au niveau de la facilité de raccordement et de fixation des câbles les uns aux autres, du faible encombrement de ce système de raccordement, de sa rapidité et de sa fiabilité d'assemblage.It is then conceivable that such a structure has a certain number of advantages in terms of the ease of connection and fixing of the cables to each other, the small size of this connection system, its speed and its reliability of assembly.

Bien entendu d'autres modes de réalisation peuvent être envisagés.Of course, other embodiments can be envisaged.

Ainsi, par exemple, le boîtier étanche 14 peut être relié en déplacement à la portion de câble en U 5, afin de se déplacer avec celle-ci.Thus, for example, the waterproof casing 14 can be connected in movement to the U-shaped cable portion 5, in order to move with the latter.

Claims (8)

  1. A system for connecting submarine cables (2, 3) and especially umbilical cables for renewable marine energy farms, comprising:
    - end caps (12, 13) fastened around the cables (2, 3) to be connected near ends thereof, the end caps being fastened sealably on the cables (2, 3),
    - an intermediate part (4) for connecting these cables (2, 3), adapted to be placed between ends to be connected of the cables (2, 3) and including means (5) for the electrical connection of these cables (2, 3), the means for the electrical connection assuming the form of a cable portion (5) with a general U shape,
    characterized in that the intermediate part (4) is in the form of a sealed housing (14) generally in the shape of an inverted U comprising two legs (17, 18), the ends of the legs (17, 18) comprising two passage orifices (15, 16) of the cables (2, 3) to be connected, the passage orifices (15, 16) or the legs (17, 18) being provided with fastening means on the end caps (12, 13), in order to close off the orifices of the housing (14) and to fasten the cables (2, 3) on the housing (14) by means of the end caps (12, 13) and therefore to fasten the cables (2, 3) on one another.
  2. The system for connecting submarine cables according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting part (4) further includes means (5) for the optical connection of optical fibers of the umbilical cables (2, 3).
  3. The system for connecting submarine cables according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (14) is linked in movement to the connecting means of the cables.
  4. The system for connecting submarine cables according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing (14) moves freely relative to the means of connection (5) of the cables (2, 3) in order to allow first the connection of the cables (2, 3) and secondly, once this connection is done, the fastening of the housing (14) on the caps (12, 13) and therefore the fastening of the cables on one another.
  5. The system for connecting submarine cables according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing (14) and the caps (12, 13) are fastened using gripping and fastening collars.
  6. The system for connecting submarine cables according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing (14) and the caps (12, 13) are fastened using bolted flanges.
  7. The system for connecting submarine cables according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ends of the U-shaped cable portion (5) and umbilical cables (2, 3) include complementary electrical and/or optical couplers (6, 7, 8, 9).
  8. The system for connecting submarine cables according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ends of the legs (17, 18) bear against the end caps (12, 13) of the umbilical cables (2, 3).
EP18715725.0A 2017-04-10 2018-04-09 System for connecting submarine cables Active EP3610542B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1753087A FR3065120B1 (en) 2017-04-10 2017-04-10 SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING UNDERWATER CABLES
PCT/EP2018/059025 WO2018189111A1 (en) 2017-04-10 2018-04-09 System for connecting submarine cables

Publications (2)

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EP3610542A1 EP3610542A1 (en) 2020-02-19
EP3610542B1 true EP3610542B1 (en) 2022-12-07

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EP18715725.0A Active EP3610542B1 (en) 2017-04-10 2018-04-09 System for connecting submarine cables

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US (1) US10658828B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3610542B1 (en)
JP (1) JP7128838B2 (en)
KR (1) KR102523403B1 (en)
CA (1) CA3059261A1 (en)
FR (1) FR3065120B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018189111A1 (en)

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NO345645B1 (en) * 2017-11-27 2021-05-25 Nexans Subsea connector
US20220178692A1 (en) * 2017-12-21 2022-06-09 Mindmaze Holding Sa System, method and apparatus of a motion sensing stack with a camera system
KR102478093B1 (en) 2021-04-30 2022-12-14 동명대학교산학협력단 Umbilical Cable Status Monitoring system of underwater drone

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KR102523403B1 (en) 2023-04-18
US10658828B2 (en) 2020-05-19
US20200044433A1 (en) 2020-02-06
CA3059261A1 (en) 2018-10-18
WO2018189111A1 (en) 2018-10-18
KR20190133694A (en) 2019-12-03
EP3610542A1 (en) 2020-02-19
JP7128838B2 (en) 2022-08-31
FR3065120B1 (en) 2019-06-21
JP2020517220A (en) 2020-06-11
FR3065120A1 (en) 2018-10-12

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